Aqkol, a Kazakh village, is undergoing a transformation into a smart city called Smart Aqkol, featuring advanced surveillance and data systems aimed at improving public safety and efficiency. The project, launched in 2019, leverages technology from Chinese firms and is part of Kazakhstan’s effort to modernize its economy and reduce corruption. While residents appreciate benefits like automated gas payments and improved safety due to surveillance cameras, critiques highlight ongoing infrastructural issues and a reliance on Chinese technology that raises concerns about privacy and state control. The project reflects larger trends in Kazakhstan’s governance and its relationship with China, amid rising domestic demand for smart city solutions and skepticism about their implications for civil liberties.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas | Kazakhstan is digitizing its rural areas, starting with Smart Aqkol, enhancing connectivity. | Transitioning from traditional infrastructure to smart city models with digital connectivity. | In 10 years, rural areas may fully integrate digital infrastructure, improving living standards and services. | Government initiatives to modernize rural economies and reduce corruption through technology. | 4 |
| Increased Public Surveillance | Smart Aqkol employs surveillance tech, mirroring trends seen in urban areas globally. | Shift from low surveillance to extensive public monitoring in rural settings. | In a decade, widespread surveillance could redefine privacy norms in rural Kazakhstan. | Desire for enhanced public safety and crime reduction through technology. | 5 |
| Public Demand for Smart Solutions | There is growing domestic demand for smart city solutions from Kazakhstan’s middle class. | Demand for modern services shifting from government to private sectors and individuals. | In 10 years, the middle class may drive innovation in smart city technologies across Kazakhstan. | Aspirations for improved living standards and modern conveniences by the middle class. | 4 |
| Corruption Transparency Initiatives | Smart city technologies are seen as potential tools to enhance governmental transparency. | Transition from high corruption perceptions to improved accountability in governance. | In a decade, enhanced transparency may lead to reduced corruption and increased public trust. | Public frustration with corruption driving demand for transparent governance solutions. | 4 |
| Local Resistance to Technological Changes | Residents express skepticism about the effectiveness of smart city technologies in improving infrastructure. | Shift from acceptance of technology to questioning its benefits in basic living conditions. | In 10 years, resistance may lead to more community-driven demands for balanced tech and infrastructure. | Dissatisfaction with the tangible results of tech initiatives in improving daily life. | 4 |
| Potential for Social Control | Concerns about the use of technology for social control amid rising surveillance. | From benign tech use to fears of government overreach and control. | In a decade, the balance between safety and privacy may provoke significant social debates. | Global trends of surveillance and control posing challenges to civil liberties. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance and Privacy Issues | The implementation of extensive surveillance technology raises concerns regarding the privacy of citizens in Aqkol, particularly with data being potentially shared with Chinese authorities. | 4 |
| Dependence on Chinese Technology | Kazakhstan’s engagement with Chinese technology, specifically surveillance systems, may lead to increased influence over domestic policies and governance. | 5 |
| Social Control and Repression | The use of surveillance systems can be adapted for social control, possibly targeting dissenters and protesters in future scenarios. | 5 |
| Underdeveloped Infrastructure | Despite digital advancements, the fundamental infrastructure in Aqkol remains deficient, highlighting a disparity between technology and basic public services. | 3 |
| Potential for Abuse of Technology | There’s a risk that privacy-infringing technologies could be used improperly against local residents, leading to community distrust and fear. | 4 |
| Impact on Community Dynamics | The presence of surveillance alters social interactions, risking community trust by making people feel watched. | 3 |
| Emerging Domestic Dissent | Increasing public skepticism and dissent against the government’s reliance on surveillance technology may lead to civil unrest. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Surveillance Acceptance | Residents are gradually accepting the presence of surveillance cameras as a means of enhancing safety in their daily lives. | 4 |
| Public Engagement with Smart Infrastructure | Increased public interest and engagement in smart city projects, particularly from the middle class seeking improved living standards. | 4 |
| Demand for Transparency | A growing demand for transparency in government operations through the use of digital platforms to combat corruption. | 5 |
| Local Critique of Technology | Residents express skepticism about the effectiveness of smart city technology in addressing basic infrastructure needs. | 5 |
| Community Connection via Technology | Residents are finding new ways to connect their utilities to personal banking for convenience, indicating a shift towards digital solutions. | 4 |
| Behavior Modification through Surveillance | Surveillance cameras are seen as changing behavior in public spaces, leading to reduced harassment and crime. | 4 |
| Adaptation of Surveillance Technology | Surveillance technology is being adapted for various uses, including public safety and monitoring protests. | 5 |
| Local Activism against Infrastructure Failures | Local residents are engaging in activism, highlighting the disconnect between technological advancements and basic public services. | 4 |
| Normalization of Surveillance | The presence of surveillance cameras becomes normalized in daily life, with residents feeling comfortable under watchful eyes. | 3 |
| Skepticism of Foreign Influence | Growing public concern over the influence of Chinese surveillance technology on local governance and personal privacy. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Smart City Infrastructure | A digitized urban infrastructure model that integrates various technologies for enhanced public services and efficiency. | 5 |
| Facial Recognition Technology | A biometric technology that uses unique facial features for identification and security purposes in public spaces. | 5 |
| Surveillance Systems | Advanced camera systems used for monitoring public areas to enhance safety and reduce crime rates. | 4 |
| Data Analytics in Urban Management | Utilizing data analytics to improve decision-making processes in managing city resources and public services. | 4 |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | Integration of connected devices and sensors to collect and exchange data for smarter urban living. | 4 |
| Automated Payment Systems | Systems allowing residents to automate utility payments for improved convenience and efficiency. | 4 |
| Artificial Intelligence in Security | AI-powered systems that analyze video feeds for threat detection and public safety enhancements. | 4 |
| Digital Silk Road Initiative | China’s initiative to enhance global infrastructure connectivity, including surveillance technology deployment. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance Technology in Smart Cities | The implementation of surveillance systems in Smart Aqkol raises concerns about privacy and government overreach, reminiscent of Chinese public surveillance models. | 5 |
| Dependence on Chinese Technology | Kazakhstan’s integration of Chinese surveillance technology may increase dependency on China, impacting local autonomy and raising geopolitical concerns. | 4 |
| Public Perception and Trust in Technology | While some residents appreciate the safety benefits of surveillance, others express skepticism about its necessity and the transparency of data usage. | 4 |
| Corruption and Transparency Initiatives | Kazakhstan’s smart city projects aim to reduce corruption, but effectiveness remains uncertain amid existing systemic issues. | 4 |
| Infrastructure vs. Digital Upgrades | Aqkol’s technological advancements contrast sharply with its inadequate physical infrastructure, highlighting a disparity in development priorities. | 5 |
| Civil Rights and Protest Surveillance | The potential use of surveillance technology to monitor and suppress dissent raises serious civil rights concerns in Kazakhstan’s political landscape. | 5 |
| Impact of Smart City Initiatives on Daily Life | Residents’ mixed feelings about the smart city project reflect broader questions about the actual benefits of such initiatives in improving quality of life. | 3 |
| Digital Literacy and Understanding | A lack of understanding among residents about smart city concepts may affect engagement and acceptance of these technologies. | 3 |